Honeyriders' official bio and pre-release press made a big deal about dropping genre names like "jazz" and "country." While it's easy to hear both influences,
Honeyriders' self-titled debut brings to mind
Swing Out Sister,
the Corrs,
Deacon Blue, and plenty of other acts that casually borrow outside the world of pop to make well-dressed music. Some of the big differences between the band and the aforementioned acts are that
Honeyriders are mostly acoustic and their writing is more naked, vulnerable, and borderline precious. Lead singer/lyricist Helen J. Hicks writes in a contemporary folk style that recalls
Nanci Griffith and her ilk. Backing this coffeehouse introspection with clean,
Corrs-like production and effervescent strumming from the band creates a sound that's comfortable, summery, and something to sing along with when you're wistful. Besides Hicks' reflective compositions, chestnuts like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" are delivered with spunk and spark, and while the album is often light as a feather, its smirk is genuine and infectious. Don't approach if your mood ring reads "cranky," because
Honeyriders understand that quiet and graceful Sunday afternoons need an album too. ~ David Jeffries